Common name: Aron's blenny

General information

Aron's Blenny, scientifically known as Ecsenius aroni, is a captivating and relatively rare species in the aquarium trade. This small, elongated fish is part of the Blenniidae family and is known for its distinctive coloration and behavior. It has a striking appearance with a combination of blue to purple hues on its body, accented by orange to red stripes along its sides. The species is named after the ichthyologist Dr. Aron W. Ebeling, who contributed significantly to the study of blennies.

Care

Aron's Blenny is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity, provided its environment is well-maintained. They thrive in tanks with plenty of live rock and crevices for hiding and grazing on microalgae. These blennies are herbivores and require a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter. Supplementing their diet with prepared foods like spirulina flakes and algae sheets will help maintain their vibrant coloration and health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Ecsenius aroni exhibits secretive breeding behavior, with little known about their reproductive habits. In captivity, breeding success is rare, and there is limited information on their breeding patterns. However, like many blennies, they are likely to be demersal spawners, laying eggs in hidden locations.

Habitat

Aron's Blenny is endemic to the Red Sea. It prefers shallow, coral-rich environments and is often found in close association with Acropora coral colonies. Their natural habitat includes reef slopes and lagoons, where they can be seen darting in and out of the coral branches, usually at depths of less than 20 meters.